Elk River (British Columbia)

The Elk River is a convert|220|km|mi|adj=on long river,cite web | title = The Rivers - Stories | publisher = Balance of Power | date = 2007 | url= http://virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Hydro/en/stories/rivers.php | accessdaymonth = September 3, | accessyear = 2008] in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Its drainage basin is convert|4450|km2|sqmi in area. Its mean annual discharge is approximately 60 m³/s, with a maximum recorded discharge of 818 m³/s.cite web |title = Elko Project Water Use Plan | publisher = BC Hydro
url = http://www.bchydro.com/rx_files/environment/environment30821.pdf | date = 2005 | accessdaymonth = September 3, | accessyear = 2008 ]

Course

The Elk River originates from Elk Lakes near the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. It flows through the Elk Valley in a southwesterly direction, joining the Kootenay River, in Lake Koocanusa, just north of the British Columbia-Montana border.

The Elk River runs through the communities of Elkford, Sparwood, Hosmer, Fernie, and Elko.

History

David Thompson traveled along the Elk River in 1811, which he called the Stag River. The river was labeled Elk River on Palliser's 1857-8 map, and "Stag or Elk River" on Arrowsmith's 1862 map. [BCGNIS|9468|Elk River]

River modifications

Elko Dam was built on the Elk River in 1924. It is located approximately convert|16|km|mi upriver from the Elk's confluence with Lake Koocanusa.

Tributaries

*Fording River
*Michel Creek
*Coal Creek
*Lizard Creek
*Wigwam River

References